Elena Ferrante Reading Order
5 series · 13 books · Born 1943
Elena Ferrante is an Italian author writing under a pseudonym whose psychologically rich literary fiction explores themes of female friendship, family dynamics, and social class. Best known for her Neapolitan series, a quartet of interconnected novels following two women across decades in Naples, Ferrante's work has achieved international acclaim through multiple language translations and adaptations. Her career spanning from 2002 to 2023 encompasses novels, graphic adaptations, and essays that examine the complexities of women's lives with unflinching emotional depth.
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Graphic Novels Series
Complete1 book (2023–2023)
Neapolitan Series
Complete4 books (2011–2014)
Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan series comprises four literary fiction novels published between 2011 and 2014, following the lifelong friendship between two girls in postwar Naples. The complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with My Brilliant Friend, followed by The Story of a New Name, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay, and concluding with The Story of the Lost Child. This acclaimed saga traces the interconnected lives and diverging paths of its protagonists across decades of social change in Italy.
Start with My Brilliant Friend, the first of 4 books in the Neapolitan series.
Start this series with My Brilliant Friend
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Non-Fiction Series
Likely Complete3 books (2003–2021)
Elena Ferrante's three-book non-fiction collection spans from 2003 to 2021 and should be read in publication order beginning with Frantumaglia. The series appears to be complete, offering insights into the author's creative process and literary perspectives through essay and interview formats. These works, featuring translator Ann Goldstein on the later entries, provide readers with direct access to Ferrante's reflections on writing, invention, and her craft.
Start with Frantumaglia and read in order.
Start this series with Frantumaglia
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Picture Series
Complete1 book (2007–2007)
Standalone Novels Series
Complete4 books (2002–2019)
Elena Ferrante's four standalone novels, published between 2002 and 2019, should be read in publication order beginning with The Days of Abandonment. Though each novel is independent and can be read separately, experiencing them chronologically allows readers to appreciate Ferrante's evolving narrative voice and thematic concerns across literary fiction exploring complex human relationships and psychological depth.
Start with The Days of Abandonment, the first of 4 books in the Standalone Novels series.
Start this series with The Days of Abandonment
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Elena Ferrante written?
- Elena Ferrante has written 13 books across 5 series. Their published works span from 2002 to 2023.
- What is the first book in each Elena Ferrante series?
- Here are the first books in Elena Ferrante's series: Neapolitan: My Brilliant Friend; Non-Fiction: Frantumaglia.
- What order should I read Elena Ferrante's books?
- We recommend reading Elena Ferrante's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Are Elena Ferrante's series complete?
- Elena Ferrante has 4 completed series.